Fremantle have secured key defender Alex Pearce for another two years after the 24-year-old extended his current deal to the end of 2022. The new two-year contract comes while Pearce is recovering after fracturing his ankle in round 11 of this AFL season. Selected with pick 37 in the 2013 draft, the Tasmanian was added to the Dockers' leadership group in 2018 and was in strong form through the first few months of the 2019 campaign. "I've really enjoyed my time in Perth and with Fremantle for the past six years and I'm really excited about what this group can achieve," he said on Monday. "We showed in the first half of the year what we can do. There are a lot of young guys coming through and I feel like, with a bit of luck and keeping some guys out on the park next year, it can be really exciting for us." Fremantle list manager Mark Micallef hailed Pearce as an important part of the organisation. "Alex's leadership capabilities are outstanding. He impresses everyone he talks to at the football club," Micallef said. "His demeanour with the younger guys is fantastic and his work with Peel (Thunder in the WAFL) highlights the character that he has. "So we're really excited that he's signed on for a further two seasons. He's someone that provides great leadership to our football club and someone who, until his injury, was in All Australian form." Australian Associated Press

Dockers defender Pearce extends contract

Alex Pearce has re-committed to Fremantle until at least the end of the 2022 AFL season.

Fremantle have secured key defender Alex Pearce for another two years after the 24-year-old extended his current deal to the end of 2022.

The new two-year contract comes while Pearce is recovering after fracturing his ankle in round 11 of this AFL season.

Selected with pick 37 in the 2013 draft, the Tasmanian was added to the Dockers' leadership group in 2018 and was in strong form through the first few months of the 2019 campaign.

"I've really enjoyed my time in Perth and with Fremantle for the past six years and I'm really excited about what this group can achieve," he said on Monday.

"We showed in the first half of the year what we can do. There are a lot of young guys coming through and I feel like, with a bit of luck and keeping some guys out on the park next year, it can be really exciting for us."

Fremantle list manager Mark Micallef hailed Pearce as an important part of the organisation.

"Alex's leadership capabilities are outstanding. He impresses everyone he talks to at the football club," Micallef said.

"His demeanour with the younger guys is fantastic and his work with Peel (Thunder in the WAFL) highlights the character that he has.

"So we're really excited that he's signed on for a further two seasons. He's someone that provides great leadership to our football club and someone who, until his injury, was in All Australian form."